That's a slight dip from March's 3 million opener, but on par with its season returns. The series averaged 2.7 million total viewers and 1.5 million adults 18-49 and adults 25-54 tuning in during the 10-episode run.

Compared to the previous week, Bates Motel was up 8 percent in total viewers and a robust 15 percent in the 18-49 demographic.

Live+Seven Day returns have the show earning 4.4 million viewers with DVR additions. The demographic scores rise to 2.6 million adults 18-49 and 2.5 million adults 25-54, boosts of a respective 72 and 67 percent.

As 2013 cable drama launches go, Bates Motel ranks only behind sister network History's Vikings in total viewers in both of the adult demos.

A&E renewed Bates Motel for a second season in April. It will return to the network in 2014.